Wonder Millets

Millets are a group of high variable small seeded grass widely grown around the world as cereal crop or grains . Millets belong to Poaceae family. They have potential health benefits and studies shows that consumption of millets reduce risk of heart disease , prevents diabetes, improves digestive system ,lowers the risk of cancer, detoxifies the body, increases immunity, increases energy levels and improves muscular and nervous system and are protective against several degenerative diseases such as metabolic syndromes.

There are mainly 5 types of millets

• Little Millet
• Kodo Millet
• Foxtail Millet
• Barnyard Millet
• Browntop Millet

Little Millet

Little millets are commonly called as Samalu in Telugu.

It is a rich source of anti oxidant , enhance Immunity , and is packed with essesntial minerals like magnesium.It also has exceptional nutritional profile which benefits growing children and also pregnant ladies as it is also good source of fibre, iron, calcium.

Little millets are a good source of energy, protein, dietary fiber, and minerals like iron, phosphorus, and calcium. They are also rich in photochemical such as phenols, flavonoids, and tannins that have been linked to numerous health benefits.

Benefits :

• The flavonoids present in the little millet act as antioxidants and play many roles in the body’s immune defence system.
• Fiber, an important ingredient for a healthy digestive system, helps promote regular bowel movements and prevent constipation. 
• Essential minerals like magnesium,is good to maintain healthy bones, muscles and nerve fuction.
• it is high in neutriceuticals that promote heart health and supports to prevention of Cardiovascular Diseases
• its low-calorie profile and nutritional richness, makes a valuable addition to a weight-conscious diet that helps in weight loss
• These millet help keep your blood sugar from spiking after you eat. They contain carbs that help control blood sugar,fiber, and non-starchy polysaccharides, so these are a good whole grain, especially if you have type 2 diabetes.
• Millets are full of tannins, phytates, and phenols that help protect your cells against damage and potential diseases like BP, Diabetes , CVD.
• It helps in overcoming the problems of ovaries, sperm, PCOD and infertility and increase sperm count.

Kodo Millet

Kodo Millet is commonly called as Arikelu in Telugu

Kodo Millet is easy to digest due to higher amount of lecithin, it also includes higher amount of antioxidant help to oxidative stress , these are unique among the cererals because of their rich ness in calcium,dietary fiber, polyphenols and protein. they are rich in vit b,folic acid,minerals such as calcium, pottasium, magnesium, and zinc. These are well rich source of bio active compounds with potential functional properties.

Benefits:

• It helps to reduce post prandal blood sugar level and also cataract disease cause by diabetes .
• Phenolics such as phytates,phenols,and tannins have antioxidant activity in health ,and aging.
• The anti nutrients decrease risk of colon and breast cancer
• As they have high amount of free radical which decreases the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
• Acts as anti microbial and reduce gut diseases caused by bacteria
• Choline present in kodo helps for the brain development
• In few conditions kodo helps as anti inflamamatory and favors Hashimotos Thyroiditis which causes hypothyroidism.

Foxtail Millet

Foxtail Millet is commonly called as Korralu in Telugu

Foxtail Millet have antioxidant properties and It show glucose-lowering properties, It have gastro-protective (managing or reducing injuries to the gastrointestinal tract) properties. it shows anti-carcinogenic properties and  have the potential to manage fungal infections.

Benefits:

• Hypertension is usually managed with drugs belonging to a class called as “ACE inhibitors”, they work by relaxing the blood vessels which helps in reducing the blood pressure, ACE-inhibitor molecules are found in foxtail millet.
• Antifungal protein molecule in foxtail millets, which is known to show activity against fungi like Botryrtis cinerea and Alternaria alternate, responsible for allergies and asthma.
• Foxtail millets are rich source of iron, which is required for the formation of haemoglobin, thus an increased iron intake may help manage iron-deficiency anaemia
• The insoluble fibers present in foxtail reduce risk of gall stones
• Due to these fibers in foxtail aids bowel and give relief to constipation
• It is a good source of iron and other essential minerals, as well as B-vitamins, which are important for health of both the mother and the foetus.

Barnyard Millet

Barnyard Millet is commonly as oodhalu in Telugu.

Barnyard millet grain is a good source of protein, carbohydrate, fiber, and, most notably, contains more micronutrients (iron and zinc) than other major cereals.It is a fair source of protein, which is highly digestible and is an excellent source of dietary fibre with good amounts of soluble and insoluble fractions.

Benefits:

• Barnyard millet is most effective to reduce blood glucose level and lipid profile.
• Inhibitors like aldose reductase avoids the aggregation of sorbitol and decreases the risk of diabetes persuaded cataract illness.
• A study shows that consuming barnyard millet  has minimal serum cholesterol and triglycerides.
• As it has phytic acid and iron rich content which helps in anemic conditions and also pregnant women.
• polyphenols and carotenoids are present which acts as anti oxidant and anti inflammatory.
• barnyard have ethano medical properties which helps and acts as wound healing agent.
• It has anti carcinogenic agents which helps to stop the spreading of cancer cells.

Browntop Millet

Browntop Millet commonly called as Andu korralu.

Browntop Millet is regarded as nutricereals packed with Proteins,Fatty acids,
Calcium, Pottasium,Zinc,Magnesium and Vitamin B complex.Iron present in it helps the lactating mothers and Pregnant Ladies.

Benefits:

• As Browntop Millet is rich in resistant starch that is known for protecting against cardio vascular diseases.
• It lowers the risk of obesity by managing the blood cholestrol level.
• The Flavanoid has active role in free radicals formation to prevent the cellular damage also protects DNA , protein and lipid membrane damage.
• Helps to manage insulic action by increasing the efficiency of glucose receptors and supporting carbohydrate digestive enzymes.
• Regular consumption of browntop millet prevents gastric ulcers and colon cancer.
• Dietary fiber present in it helps to keep our gut healthy also aids the good bacteria which promotes healthy bowel movement.
• Calcium and Phosphorous work together and act as the best food for both bones and teeth.